Paul has emphasised that the true Apostles are just ordinary men with weaknesses. He was caused much emotional pain by the Corinthians. Apostleship is clarified. Paul had performed miraculous signs which was further proof he was a true Apostle. Despite all the difficulties Paul loved the church and wanted to visit them again even though his visits had been difficult.

Paul makes refernce to a ‘painful visit’ he had made to Corinth which involved church discipline. He teaches that the purpose of discipline is to bring forgiveness and restoration.

Paul tackles a case of incest in the Corinthian church. He explains the need to deal with sin within the church. Jesus had taught how to put church discipline into action. The man in Corinth needed to be put out of the church although there would always a way back into the church.

In Corinth, Aphrodite - the goddess of fertility - was worshipped. Paul explained that to join with prostitutes would have a spiritual effect. As Christians, our bodies belong to the Lord.

Paul defends himself from accusations made by some members of the Corinthian church. He has authority as an Apostle and did not ask for payment from the church for preaching the gospel.

Paul used several Old Testament examples from the exodus and the Israelites' time in the desert to demonstrate how dangerous it is to mix Christianity with the worship of idols.

There were many divisions in the Corinthian church which became obvious at their celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Paul addressed this by referring back to how Jesus set up the sacrament of Communion.

Paul continues his teaching about Christian family life and discipleship. He teaches both the children and their fathers and also both slaves and their masters. Being a Christian affects the whole of life.